Good samaritans doing Irish charity swims this month are being warned about winter sea conditions.

Irish sea temperatures are set to drop to single digits this weekend - down from a high of around 16 degrees last summer.

So-called ‘December Dippers’ have been directed to Water Safety Ireland's list of tips online - specfically designed for swimmers who are not accustomed to the dangers of cold water shock or hypothermia.

Drop in temperature

Triple Crown Channel Swimmer and Dubliner Fergal Somerville became the first man to complete a solo-swim around Inis Mór in County Galway this Summer.

He said Irish sea temperatures have dropped around six degrees since then - and that makes a big difference.

“[The water] came down to about 10 degrees [and] it's going to drop down to single figures now over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“WaterSafety.ie tells swimmers how to prepare, in particular, emphasising on safety and support for organisers and groups that are doing the swims.”

"Short and sweet"

Mr Somerville also said there are a number of important things to check before you get into the water.

“[Check] that there's easy entry and access to waters, that you know about the currents where you are [and] you stay in your depth,” he said.

“Never swim solo at this time of year, even at any time of year, and particularly now with the temperatures dropping.”

Mr Somerville said winter swims must be kept “short and sweet” – “five to 10 minutes maximum”.

Check out Water Safety Ireland's list of tips - here.

Main image: People prepare to go sea swimming, 15-10-16. Image: Kumar Sriskandan / Alamy